Pubdate: Tue, 17 Apr 2018
Source: Georgia Straight, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2018 The Georgia Straight
Contact: http://www.straight.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1084
VANCOUVER PARK BOARD REITERATES OPPOSITION TO 4/20 CANNABIS PROTEST AND
FARMERS MARKET AT SUNSET BEACH PARK
"The 4/20 marijuana event will take place again this year in Sunset
Beach Park, against the wishes of the elected park board
commissioners. The board continues to have significant concerns about
the event's impact on residents, the park and facilities that serve
our community.
"The park board does not believe this event is an appropriate use of
park space because it violates our no smoking by-laws and has negative
consequences for park users and infrastructure. The Board has declined
to give organizers a permit as the event does not meet our criteria
for issuing a special event permit.
"In the best interest of the public the park board will do everything
it can-in cooperation with partners at the City, VPD, VFRS, B.C.
Ambulance and health authorities-to ensure public safety is maintained
and to minimize public and park impacts during this event.
"We are looking at ways to better protect the wet and soggy turf in
the park so the public does not experience a loss of park and playing
field use, as was the case last year. Event organizers have told us
they will place a protective covering, at their expense, around the
main stage area to protect the turf at this year's 4/20 event.
"Park rangers have gone door to door in the vicinity of Sunset Beach
to hand deliver leaflets outlining plans for the event and to inform
residents of significant crowds, traffic impactsm and potential health
concerns to those with sensitivity to smoke.
"As in 2017, the adjacent seawall, the Sunset concession and the
Vancouver Aquatic Centre (VAC) will be temporarily closed on April
20th. Please note that the VAC will also be closed April 19th for
electrical upgrades to the facility.
"The Park Board will continue to work with partners at the City to
encourage organizers to find an alternate location for the event in
future years."
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MAP posted-by: Matt